Recessed receptacle system for automated trash and recycle curbside pickups

ABSTRACT

A recessed receptacle system for automated trash and recycle curbside pickup of approximately 300 gallon capacity. System is recessed into the ground in the area betwwen the sidewalk and the curb. Base unit remains in ground. Top of insert remains exposed for automated arm gripping for removal and dumping. Insert has centerline symmetrical oppossing lids for homeowner access. Insert also has overall lid that opens when dumped by automation. Both base unit and insert contstructed on high density polyethylene (HDPE).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the sanitation services and, more particularly, to resident trash and recyle collection at curbside pickup.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known, an increasing number of local governments are turning to one-person sanitation operations in order to save on labor costs. Instead of employing an arrangement where one person drives the truck, ond one, two, or three persons jump from it to pick up and dump curbside trash, an increasing use of automated trucks is occurring, wherein the driver orients two telescoping arms which reach out, grasp a specially designed container, and uplift the container into position to dump the contents of the container into the truck.

However, to be effective, such specially designed containers typically are of 90 gallon size. As such, the container is not one which can be readily kept by a residential homeowner inside the house; and once filled, becomes of a weight hard to maneuver down a driveway (when constructed with wheels) or carried down a lawn for curbside pickup. As a result, such trash containers thus remain out by the curbside substantially all the time, with the homeowner periodically carrying the individual bags of trash out to the curbside container.

If this is not empoyed, the older user often becomes injured trying to maneuver the unit that is very cumbersome. As will be appreciated, this not only presents a distateful appearance, but is often the cause of personal injury to the elderly. But, despite the contrasting wants of the homeowner to prevent an unsightly appearance, and a government, or homeowners association, which provides municipal trash collection, the economic preferences of the larger organization most oftentimes prevail, and specially designed containers then remain standing, like a monument, at the curb. And to the credit of the larger organization, there is not a better solution . . . until now.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an arrangement which continues to allow automated pickup of trash and recycle containers, yet addressing the concerns of the homeowner who objects to the continued sitting of the container by his or her home, unable to wheel it or carry it away from the curb. It is another object of the invention to provide such an arrangement which, once in place, requires little or no maintenance in satisfying the needs of the homeowner, and which offers no interference to the sanitation truck removal of the container for trash or recycle dumping. In fact, it's very design integrates seamlessly into the present automated system.

It is another object of the invention to provide such alternative arrangement which can be implemented at a reasonable cost and, once in place, remains substantially out of sight. It is a further object of the invention to provide a system by which trash and recycleables are received by the homeowner, curbside, in a recessed unit, always at the ready, without need of transporting by the homeowner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As will become clear from the following description, these objectives are realized through the implementation of a receptacle to receive a 300 gallon trash and recycle container, which is recessed into the ground, while leaving a surrounding upper surface exposed for the automated unit to grip, lift, empty, and replace. The invention consists of two parts: 1) A receptacle unit, made of HDP (high density polyethylene), or similar, that is installed, and remains recessed in the ground, usually in the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the curb. 2) An insert, similarly constructed, composed of an internal web dividing the unit in two, a lifting, self-closing lid, for the insertion of trash and recyclables, then a majority lid which exposes the whole unit to be used in the automated dumping process. The receptacle has a return lip designed to fasten the unit into the ground to prevent hydrostatic, water lifting effect of the unit back up out of the ground. The insert, remaining top band exposed, for automated arms to grip, has on overall lid that opens when dumped upside down, or even partially upside down. Within the overall lid, there are two smaller lids that are angled in oppossing directions, designed for individual homeowner access. In this manner, one receptacle unit may be used for two homes, but each possessing their own insert container access. The insert fits smartly into the receptacle unit allowing very little water penetration and providing an air cushioning effect as the insert is placed back into the receptacle by the automated truck. The insert has a transverse web molded into it for added rigidity and maintaining an individual unit compartment approach (nobody wants to look at their neighbors trash). The lids are all self-closing and are designed with a “bull-nose” to remain closed after being shut. The accompanying drawings will add needed visiblity and clarity to the overall design. 

1. An in-the-ground receptacle system of 300 gallon capacity, though not constrained by, comprised of a receptacle and a removable insert with lids, for curbside trash and recycle pick-up, further comprised of the following: receptacle approximately 6 feet long by 2.5 feet wide by 3.0 feet deep; made of high density polyethylene (HDPE), or similiar; with slightly convexed sides; with footing anchors molded into this “base unit.”
 2. An insert, with lids, that is received by base unit, similiarly constructed with convexed sides, further comprised of the following: divided in half, by a web type wall, for stiffness, and integrity; a lid system by which the insert integrally and symmetrically includes access lids on the left and ride side of the top panel of the insert, providing access to the left and right compartments of the insert; this entire top panel of the insert in turn is hinged providing access to entire insert. 